Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #5

[OHBelle]

Hi, Tracy --

Oh no! That's too bad that you won't make it back to DLR for the holidays this year -- I know you were planning to try for another visit -- but it definitely sounds as if your travel plate is going to be full and the budget stretched! You'll have a great time on the cruise, I'm sure, and how wonderful that your son is getting married!

You never know -- maybe some of the new 60th anniversary shows will return or still be around at DLR for the holidays of 2016. I guess it depends on how popular they turn out to be, and what the general feedback from guests will be.

Yes, definitely stay tuned to this thread as the mysterious details of this year's holiday season at DLR unfold! We have no idea how the 60th will affect anything other than the holiday fireworks being shelved, but I know that we are all waiting on pins and needles to find out!



The last 2 brand new Hallmark movies of 2014 were The Best Christmas Party Ever and The Christmas Parade. Maybe you missed The Christmas Parade? It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't that great. You didn't miss anything really wonderful. It is certainly something that you can catch during Christmas in July, or later this year. It's worth seeing one time, but not necessarily a 'watch over and over every time there is a marathon' sort of movie.

I think there will be 16 new movies if there is a new Hall of Fame movie thrown in. Last year, the Countdown to Christmas commercials promoted 12 new movies, but we actually got 13 because of the Hall of Fame movie -- One Christmas Eve with Anne Heche -- that was thrown in. This year, the commercials are advertising "15 all new movies," so that may or may not include a new Hall of Fame production.

I think that, in general, the 2013 crop of new Hallmark movies was stronger than the 2014 crop of movies -- but there were still a few gems in the 2014 bunch. I think that some years will be like that -- sometimes there will be a lot of good movies, and other years there may be just a couple of gems and a bunch of so-so/not very memorable movies.

What will be interesting is that, with at least 15 new movies airing over the 2 months at the end of the year, some of the "older" movies (meaning anything prior to 2012) will probably be relegated to a lighter rotation and not repeated as often. I'll be curious to see which older movies Hallmark chooses to repeat more often than others, and which ones get prime viewing blocks in the schedule and aren't shown in the middle of the night. Also, will they move some of the older movies over to the Movies & Mysteries Channel this year, and drop them from the regular Hallmark Channel?

For Christmas in July they limit what they run as well. They don't necessarily show every single holiday movie they have over those 10 days. It will be interesting to see which movies are chosen for the mini-marathon. Although... if it turns out that Mr. Miracle (with Rob Morrow) and One Christmas Eve are shown in heavy rotation, I might have to change the channel. I cannot tolerate those two movies and will cringe in horror if they are repeated a lot this year.

I loved, loved, loved Nine Lives of Christmas! I now have the DVD for it. Not only was it funny and sweet, but it wasn't the typical sort of "pet movie" I was expecting. The cat was an important part of the movie, but it wasn't really all about the cat -- and when it was about the cat, those scenes were cute and not annoying.

(By the way, did you see All of My Heart [with Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott] during the Countdown to Valentine's Day? It was the last new movie to air in February, on Valentine's Day weekend. It is a gem. They saved the best new 2015/Valentine movie for last. It was better than all of the other new movies in January and February. It, too, was funny, sweet, cute -- and I loved all of the supporting characters [which is not always the case in these movies]! Plus, Lacey and Brennan had good chemistry. I loved the charming house, and the baked goods -- and the baby goats !!!!!!! I bought into the whole thing. Loved it, from start to finish!)

Sherry

There is certainly a lot of interesting stuff coming up for the 60th Celebration. I am curious to see how it will impact the Holiday Celebrations this year, even though I won't be there. Although, my son getting married to a lovely young lady is a good reason for not being able to go. They are college sweethearts and have been dating 5 years, so about time! Not to mention, as the Mom to three sons, I am excited to have a daughter (in law)!

I am looking forward to the Theme Week Countdown this year, as I actually have some photos that I will be able to share. I am not sure I will hit every category, but I will have some.

Now that you have mentioned the names of the last two Christmas movies from last years, Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas, I did see The Christmas Parade which was good, but not one I would have to watch multiple times. I did not see The Best Christmas Party Ever. Was that one any good? If Hallmark does include a Hall of Fame movie, I hope it is better than last years movie One Christmas Eve. I am with you that if One Christmas Eve or Mr. Miracle is in heavy rotation I will have to change the channel. Rob Morrow's voice was so annoying in Mr. Miracle I don't think I could even handle having it on in the background. I don't get the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel, so I may be missing some of my favorites if they rerun on there or if some new movies come out on only that channel. I concur with you that 2013 was a stronger year for new movies than 2014.

I did not see All of My Heart. I somehow blanked on the Countdown to Valentines Day and missed those movies. I will have to keep an eye out for it if they decide to repeat it sometime. It sounds like one of the movies I would really like. If you happen to see it airing again please let me know.

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry

There is certainly a lot of interesting stuff coming up for the 60th Celebration. I am curious to see how it will impact the Holiday Celebrations this year, even though I won't be there. Although, my son getting married to a lovely young lady is a good reason for not being able to go. They are college sweethearts and have been dating 5 years, so about time! Not to mention, as the Mom to three sons, I am excited to have a daughter (in law)!

I am looking forward to the Theme Week Countdown this year, as I actually have some photos that I will be able to share. I am not sure I will hit every category, but I will have some.

Now that you have mentioned the names of the last two Christmas movies from last years, Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas, I did see The Christmas Parade which was good, but not one I would have to watch multiple times. I did not see The Best Christmas Party Ever. Was that one any good? If Hallmark does include a Hall of Fame movie, I hope it is better than last years movie One Christmas Eve. I am with you that if One Christmas Eve or Mr. Miracle is in heavy rotation I will have to change the channel. Rob Morrow's voice was so annoying in Mr. Miracle I don't think I could even handle having it on in the background. I don't get the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel, so I may be missing some of my favorites if they rerun on there or if some new movies come out on only that channel. I concur with you that 2013 was a stronger year for new movies than 2014.

I did not see All of My Heart. I somehow blanked on the Countdown to Valentines Day and missed those movies. I will have to keep an eye out for it if they decide to repeat it sometime. It sounds like one of the movies I would really like. If you happen to see it airing again please let me know.

Tracy --

I may shorten up this year's Theme Week Countdown so that it's narrowed down to maybe the top 10 or 15 most popular themes, based on last year's activity (instead of 22 themes). I haven't made up my mind for sure yet, but you will certainly have photos for some of the themes, no matter how many themes I throw in the mix!

Congratulations to your son and his bride-to-be!

Yes, this year's holiday season at DLR (and Halloween Time season too, for that matter) are probably going to be interesting in one way or another. Either we will be missing several elements to the season(s) that we would normally have, or we may gain several elements to the season that are brand new, in connection with the 60th anniversary. Now that the Disney Parks Blog has confirmed the long-rumored return of the Hatbox Ghost to the Haunted Mansion (he hasn't been seen since 1969 or so), people are wondering if he will still be there if the mansion gets its annual Haunted Mansion Holiday makeover in September, or if Haunted Mansion Holiday will possibly be shelved for this year only.

Personally, I don't think that Haunted Mansion Holiday will be shelved -- it is way, way too popular and too integral to both the Halloween Time and Holiday seasons at DLR (especially to Halloween Time, which is lacking in comparison to the holidays anyway). However, now that "Hattie" is returning to his mansion home, will he be obscured and hidden by all of the Nightmare Before Christmas décor, or will he be somehow integrated into the 'story' of Haunted Mansion Holiday?

Also, this will likely be the year for the return of the Christmas star to the top of the Matterhorn, and that star has not been seen since the early '70s, I think. I wonder when Disney will announce it if it happens -- probably not until October!

Good news -- according to the All of My Heart page on the Hallmark Channel website -- http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/all-of-my-heart -- it will be airing several more times in the near future (including in about 2 weeks). Hover over the "View All Showtimes" tab in the upper right corner and you will see the dates and times it is going to air. That way you can set your DVR. In fact, I have to re-record it, as I accidentally deleted it and it is one I would like to keep just in case it never gets released on DVD. I also stupidly deleted Angels and Ornaments, which I had recorded commercial-free (almost) on Christmas day. I'm not sure when or how I deleted it, but the commercial-free version took up less space on the DVR. Now -- unless it comes out on DVD -- it looks like I will have to re-record it with commercials when it inevitably runs during Christmas in July.

The Best Christmas Party Ever was better than The Christmas Parade, and it's one that may grow on me more in the future, but right now it doesn't have a "must watch it every time it airs" factor for me. It's worth seeing once, though -- it's not bad. It stars Torrey DeVitto (daughter of one of Billy Joel's musicians), and she plays a party/event planner. Her boss' nephew joins the company to help her plan a big bash, and of course they clash at first. And then, of course, they fall for each other. Standard Hallmark fare!

I thought that Mr. Miracle really should have been Christmas at Cartwright's (with Alicia Witt). It seemed like the plot of CAC could have worked nicely as a Mr. Miracle story, and the angel in CAC was more likeable and less annoying!! It also would have been more similar to the Mrs. Miracle plots. I think they were trying to be too serious or meaningful in Mr. Miracle, and I just did not like any of the characters in that whole movie!

 

[OHBelle]

Tracy --

I may shorten up this year's Theme Week Countdown so that it's narrowed down to maybe the top 10 or 15 most popular themes, based on last year's activity (instead of 22 themes). I haven't made up my mind for sure yet, but you will certainly have photos for some of the themes, no matter how many themes I throw in the mix!

Congratulations to your son and his bride-to-be!

Yes, this year's holiday season at DLR (and Halloween Time season too, for that matter) are probably going to be interesting in one way or another. Either we will be missing several elements to the season(s) that we would normally have, or we may gain several elements to the season that are brand new, in connection with the 60th anniversary. Now that the Disney Parks Blog has confirmed the long-rumored return of the Hatbox Ghost to the Haunted Mansion (he hasn't been seen since 1969 or so), people are wondering if he will still be there if the mansion gets its annual Haunted Mansion Holiday makeover in September, or if Haunted Mansion Holiday will possibly be shelved for this year only.

Personally, I don't think that Haunted Mansion Holiday will be shelved -- it is way, way too popular and too integral to both the Halloween Time and Holiday seasons at DLR (especially to Halloween Time, which is lacking in comparison to the holidays anyway). However, now that "Hattie" is returning to his mansion home, will he be obscured and hidden by all of the Nightmare Before Christmas décor, or will he be somehow integrated into the 'story' of Haunted Mansion Holiday?

Also, this will likely be the year for the return of the Christmas star to the top of the Matterhorn, and that star has not been seen since the early '70s, I think. I wonder when Disney will announce it if it happens -- probably not until October!

Good news -- according to the All of My Heart page on the Hallmark Channel website -- http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/all-of-my-heart -- it will be airing several more times in the near future (including in about 2 weeks). Hover over the "View All Showtimes" tab in the upper right corner and you will see the dates and times it is going to air. That way you can set your DVR. In fact, I have to re-record it, as I accidentally deleted it and it is one I would like to keep just in case it never gets released on DVD. I also stupidly deleted Angels and Ornaments, which I had recorded commercial-free (almost) on Christmas day. I'm not sure when or how I deleted it, but the commercial-free version took up less space on the DVR. Now -- unless it comes out on DVD -- it looks like I will have to re-record it with commercials when it inevitably runs during Christmas in July.

The Best Christmas Party Ever was better than The Christmas Parade, and it's one that may grow on me more in the future, but right now it doesn't have a "must watch it every time it airs" factor for me. It's worth seeing once, though -- it's not bad. It stars Torrey DeVitto (daughter of one of Billy Joel's musicians), and she plays a party/event planner. Her boss' nephew joins the company to help her plan a big bash, and of course they clash at first. And then, of course, they fall for each other. Standard Hallmark fare!

I thought that Mr. Miracle really should have been Christmas at Cartwright's (with Alicia Witt). It seemed like the plot of CAC could have worked nicely as a Mr. Miracle story, and the angel in CAC was more likeable and less annoying!! It also would have been more similar to the Mrs. Miracle plots. I think they were trying to be too serious or meaningful in Mr. Miracle, and I just did not like any of the characters in that whole movie!

Hi Sherry!

No matter how many themes you decide to do, I am just happy I can contribute a few this year. I was so happy being able to see all the pictures last year and it really added to my excitement.

Thanks for the wedding well wishes for my son and his bride to be!

If my DH has anything to say about the Haunted Mansion, he would want them to skip the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. He did not like it at all. I know he is in the minority and that lots of people love it. For me, I could take it or leave it.

I would love to see the Star on the top of the Matterhorn! We heard the story of it when we took the Holiday Tour. I hope they put it up, even if I won't get to see it.

I have mostly planned WDW trips and I love how they release so much information early. DLR sure takes their sweet time let us know what they have up their sleeve!

I know they are sprucing up the castle for the 60th now, but when do the actual 60th Anniversary celebrations begin?

I will have to make a point to record The Best Christmas Party Ever if it airs in July. I am sure it will repeat sometime during the Countdown if they don't air it in July. I need to see it at least once!

for sending me the link to the showings of All of My Heart. I have it set to record on April 25th. I am so glad I have found another Hallmark Countdown to Christmas junkie!

 

[Sherry E]

I figured I should add this here too (even though it has already been mentioned in at least 3 other threads today), for those who are subscribed to this Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread and don't necessarily have time to check other threads, blogs, forums, websites, etc.

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced another element to Disneyland's 60th Anniversary/Diamond Celebration -- free gifts! They are having another sweepstakes sort of event (similar to Year of a Million Dreams, Limited Time Magic and last year's Get Happier giveaways), in which people will be randomly winning things daily and weekly. I could be wrong, but it sounds as though everyone who wins will have to actually be at Disneyland Resort (though not necessarily in the parks) when they are given a prize, though.

Unless an online angle to this sweepstakes is eventually announced, right now it appears that all winners will be people on the DLR premises -- so that could be in Downtown Disney, or in the Esplanade, or at one of the hotels, etc.

I think I would like the Cars Land tailgate party, but I'll be curious to learn about the daily prizes that are given away.

Here is the Parks Blog about the sweepstakes: "Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes to Give Away Dazzling Prizes During Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on April 14th, 2015 by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort

So far there is no end date for this promo. Erin of the Parks Blog said in her replies that the Diamond Days sweepstakes "...will run throughout the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration," so it will likely go on for the rest of the year in some capacity -- and that includes the entire holiday season!

The Diamond Days sweepstakes begins on May 22nd, to be exact, when the 60th Anniversary celebration begins

​

From Disneyland News (it's a press release site for media, and the releases often have a lot of the same verbiage and info that the Parks Blogs have, but occasionally -- if you read closely -- you will find extra little details and nuggets o' info in the press releases that the Parks Blog does not disclose until later. For example, it was through Disneyland News that I first learned about the gingerbread house in the GCH lobby last year -- not from the Parks Blog):


"Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes Will Give Away Diamonds, Stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite and Daily Prizes During Dazzling Diamond Celebration" -- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015


"Unique Dining, Shopping and Interactive Street Entertainment Add to the Fun of Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration"-- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015


"Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Adds Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes and Dazzling, New Nighttime Spectaculars Beginning May 22"-- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015

​

 

[dalstitch45]

Hi Sherry, getting in on this thread a little late, but early. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into these threads. The information is invaluable. You are the best. I am planning to be there for the Christmas season once again this year. I will also be there this summer. Looking forward to entering the sweepstakes, and being a part of the festivities for the 60th. I can't wait to see all the stuff they are doing. I was there during the CP last year, and didn't get to see all the Frozen activities, so I am looking forward to seeing it this year. Hopefully, it will be running. I get so excited with all this stuff. I'm hoping some of the merchandise for the special event in May will still be available. Looking forward to all the updates. The plane tickets are purchased, and ready to go.

 

[sgrap]

We closed on our new DVC contract and were able to book a 1-bedroom at VGC for the week we wanted with 2 days to spare before they got snatched up at the 7-month mark! So we should be there Nov 16-22!!! Woo-hoo, it's been 10 years since our last Christmas time trip!

 

[Sherry E]

Hi Sherry, getting in on this thread a little late, but early. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into these threads. The information is invaluable. You are the best. I am planning to be there for the Christmas season once again this year. I will also be there this summer. Looking forward to entering the sweepstakes, and being a part of the festivities for the 60th. I can't wait to see all the stuff they are doing. I was there during the CP last year, and didn't get to see all the Frozen activities, so I am looking forward to seeing it this year. Hopefully, it will be running. I get so excited with all this stuff. I'm hoping some of the merchandise for the special event in May will still be available. Looking forward to all the updates. The plane tickets are purchased, and ready to go.

Hello, dalstitch45!

Thank you for the very kind words. I really appreciate it. :

I cannot imagine the Frozen Fun missing from the holidays. Right now we know that Freeze the Night was the first to disappear, as the "Diamond Mad T Party" will be moving back into that location next month. Olaf's Snow Fest will close, but I have to think that it would return for the holidays because... why not? I think that Anna and Elsa are staying at the Animation Building to greet guests, and Olaf will have to move in there or somewhere else, I suppose. I don't know the fate of the sing-along, but I suspect it will be there for a while.

Speaking of the CP (which I know you love, as do I) -- this year, of all years, seems like it would be a great time to extend the CP schedule again. The problem is, Disney doesn't seem to know how to compromise and reach a nice middle ground. They went too far with the 20 nights of the CP in December 2012, creating havoc on Main Street. They didn't need to run the CP for that many nights (though I am glad they did, as it enabled me to finally see the CP for the first time). The backlash from the havoc on Main Street scared Disney off from wanting to extend the CP ever again.

Hopefully Disney has not abandoned the idea of making it available for more than 2 nights in the future. They could have done more nights than 2 (the usual)... but fewer nights than 20. A happy medium. I am crossing my fingers that they will choose this year to add a couple of extra nights to the CP schedule. It doesn't interfere with the parade or the fireworks.

When the dates for the CP are made public -- which will probably be in July -- that's when we will know if there will once again be 2 nights or more than that.

We closed on our new DVC contract and were able to book a 1-bedroom at VGC for the week we wanted with 2 days to spare before they got snatched up at the 7-month mark! So we should be there Nov 16-22!!! Woo-hoo, it's been 10 years since our last Christmas time trip!

sgrap --

Yay! I'm so glad you got your reservation made before there is a mad rush on bookings.

I remember seeing your 2005 photo of/near IASW Holiday (during last year's Theme Week Countdown) and the façade of IASWH had a big "50" on it (I didn't go that year, so I didn't see it in person).

In addition to the assorted 60th anniversary events and the beginning of the holiday season, with any luck you will get to see a new gingerbread house being constructed in the lobby of the GCH this year. I am hoping Disney decides to do another house this holiday season, but it may not be fully put together until Thanksgiving.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Sherry, you know I sure hope the CP is expanded this year! I will also have to thanks to you and others keep an eye out on Christmas movies.

 

[sgrap]

sgrap --

Yay! I'm so glad you got your reservation made before there is a mad rush on bookings.

I remember seeing your 2005 photo of/near IASW Holiday (during last year's Theme Week Countdown) and the façade of IASWH had a big "50" on it (I didn't go that year, so I didn't see it in person).

In addition to the assorted 60th anniversary events and the beginning of the holiday season, with any luck you will get to see a new gingerbread house being constructed in the lobby of the GCH this year. I am hoping Disney decides to do another house this holiday season, but it may not be fully put together until Thanksgiving.

Thanks, Sherry! Yes, so funny our holiday trips have coincided with the big anniversaries. Seeing the gingerbread house would be fun, but not a show stopper at least. When we went in 2005, I think we were there slightly earlier, because I know it included our anniversary on the 12th. The tree was already up at GCH that year by then. Our youngest, adopted in 2007, has never been during Christmas Time, so it will be fun to have her experience all the decorations and holiday touches. I think our college son will be able to fly down for the weekend again, like he did in our October trip. That will make it extra special!

 

[Sherry E]

Sherry, you know I sure hope the CP is expanded this year! I will also have to thanks to you and others keep an eye out on Christmas movies.

The Christmas movies are a lot of fun -- not award-winning masterpieces by any means, but just light, frothy, predictable, sweet holiday fare with some familiar faces who aren't A-List actors. Sometimes the stories have a little bit of magic thrown in (like undercover Santas or elves or angels), and often there is romance thrown in (but it's innocent, mostly G-rated romance). Some of the movies are more in the holiday comedy category and some are more along the lines of holiday dramas, but they are all pretty much cut from the same basic cloth. I think that people either like them or they don't. People either find them unbearable to sit through because they are expecting much more, or they kind of abandon their expectations, suspend disbelief and go along for the ride.

I don't hold out too much hope for the CP getting extended this year -- even by just an extra day or two -- but it would be a great time to do it, since the CP is one of Disneyland's oldest traditions and this is a year for celebrating Disneyland nostalgia, tradition and history. Even if they had to temporarily move the CP to a location away from Town Square just to be able to extend it for a few extra nights, it would be worthwhile. I love the Town Square location and I don't think it should ever permanently change, but they could make occasional exceptions every few years just to be able to allow more people to see the CP, as it's so beautiful and... Christmasy! There used to be a rumor (years ago) that the CP might set up residence at the Hyperion in DCA (Hollywood Land), but that rumor fizzled out after the 2012 Madness on Main Street 20-night CP run!

Thanks, Sherry! Yes, so funny our holiday trips have coincided with the big anniversaries. Seeing the gingerbread house would be fun, but not a show stopper at least. When we went in 2005, I think we were there slightly earlier, because I know it included our anniversary on the 12th. The tree was already up at GCH that year by then. Our youngest, adopted in 2007, has never been during Christmas Time, so it will be fun to have her experience all the decorations and holiday touches. I think our college son will be able to fly down for the weekend again, like he did in our October trip. That will make it extra special!

I think your daughter will absolutely love all of the holiday fun in the parks, and I hope that your son can fly in to join you! Did he enjoy the Halloween Time festivities (he went with you to MHP, correct?)?

I think I have established that the GCH tree seems to go up earlier or later based on when Thanksgiving falls in November. For example, if it's an early Thanksgiving year, the tree may go up only a couple of days before the holiday. There have been years in which the tree did not appear until right around Thanksgiving or immediately after it. And then there have been other years when the GCH tree appeared quite a bit earlier. For the last 2 years, all of the hotels' trees have begun appearing about 9 days before Thanksgiving, and the other decorations popped up over the next several days, with the assorted gingerbread houses in the GCH restaurants appearing from Thanksgiving on.

It looks as though Thanksgiving was on November 24th in 2005, and you say that the GCH tree went up during your stay (it was there on 11/12?). I wonder if Disney took the time to put it up earlier that year because it was the 50th anniversary year, and they wanted to get the hotels looking festive for all of the extra guests. If that's the case, then we can probably count on the assorted hotel trees appearing at least 9 days before Thanksgiving this year -- so by Tuesday, 11/17, at least, if not sooner. Hopefully, the Enhancement Team will go with the "earlier rather than later" approach and get DLR in the holiday spirit for all of the extra guests flocking to DLR to enjoy the 60th anniversary activities.

In any event, even if you miss the gingerbread house(s) at the GCH, I think you will see all of the other holiday decorations at all 3 DLR hotels before your trip ends on 11/22. Let's hope Downtown Disney is in full holiday swing as well, with the Winter Village, ice rink and holiday music playing on a loop all day and night!

 

[sgrap]

I think your daughter will absolutely love all of the holiday fun in the parks, and I hope that your son can fly in to join you! Did he enjoy the Halloween Time festivities (he went with you to MHP, correct?)?

I think I have established that the GCH tree seems to go up earlier or later based on when Thanksgiving falls in November. For example, if it's an early Thanksgiving year, the tree may go up only a couple of days before the holiday. There have been years in which the tree did not appear until right around Thanksgiving or immediately after it. And then there have been other years when the GCH tree appeared quite a bit earlier. For the last 2 years, all of the hotels' trees have begun appearing about 9 days before Thanksgiving, and the other decorations popped up over the next several days, with the assorted gingerbread houses in the GCH restaurants appearing from Thanksgiving on.

It looks as though Thanksgiving was on November 24th in 2005, and you say that the GCH tree went up during your stay (it was there on 11/12?). I wonder if Disney took the time to put it up earlier that year because it was the 50th anniversary year, and they wanted to get the hotels looking festive for all of the extra guests. If that's the case, then we can probably count on the assorted hotel trees appearing at least 9 days before Thanksgiving this year -- so by Tuesday, 11/17, at least, if not sooner. Hopefully, the Enhancement Team will go with the "earlier rather than later" approach and get DLR in the holiday spirit for all of the extra guests flocking to DLR to enjoy the 60th anniversary activities.

In any event, even if you miss the gingerbread house(s) at the GCH, I think you will see all of the other holiday decorations at all 3 DLR hotels before your trip ends on 11/22. Let's hope Downtown Disney is in full holiday swing as well, with the Winter Village, ice rink and holiday music playing on a loop all day and night!

Yes, we went to 1 MHP before our son joined us and 1 with him. I think he enjoyed it--we all got a huge kick out of the villains. We loved the Conjure a Villain tent! We didn't think the treat trails were all that exciting, but having older kids probably influenced that. The Halloween fireworks were incredible at the MHP's. Apparently he had a good enough time to want to go with us again--I was actually surprised because he is so into college life! He is in ROTC and the cadets qualify for the military discount tickets, so he was able to get a military 3-day ticket last year and will be able to do that again. Such a great deal!

I think our 2005 DLR trip was like the 10-18th maybe? I remember we had 8-day hopper passes, back in the glory days when you could get them. So I can't swear to the tree being up on a certain day, but we have pictures in front of it, so it went up sometime during our trip. I think we came home the Sunday before Thanksgiving on that trip just like we will be on this year's trip. Whatever decorations we see, I will be thrilled.

 

[OHBelle]

I figured I should add this here too (even though it has already been mentioned in at least 3 other threads today), for those who are subscribed to this Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread and don't necessarily have time to check other threads, blogs, forums, websites, etc.

Today the Disney Parks Blog announced another element to Disneyland's 60th Anniversary/Diamond Celebration -- free gifts! They are having another sweepstakes sort of event (similar to Year of a Million Dreams, Limited Time Magic and last year's Get Happier giveaways), in which people will be randomly winning things daily and weekly. I could be wrong, but it sounds as though everyone who wins will have to actually be at Disneyland Resort (though not necessarily in the parks) when they are given a prize, though.

Unless an online angle to this sweepstakes is eventually announced, right now it appears that all winners will be people on the DLR premises -- so that could be in Downtown Disney, or in the Esplanade, or at one of the hotels, etc.

I think I would like the Cars Land tailgate party, but I'll be curious to learn about the daily prizes that are given away.

Here is the Parks Blog about the sweepstakes: "Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes to Give Away Dazzling Prizes During Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration" -- Disney Parks Blog; posted on April 14th, 2015 by Erin Glover, Social Media Director, Disneyland Resort

So far there is no end date for this promo. Erin of the Parks Blog said in her replies that the Diamond Days sweepstakes "...will run throughout the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration," so it will likely go on for the rest of the year in some capacity -- and that includes the entire holiday season!

The Diamond Days sweepstakes begins on May 22nd, to be exact, when the 60th Anniversary celebration begins

​

From Disneyland News (it's a press release site for media, and the releases often have a lot of the same verbiage and info that the Parks Blogs have, but occasionally -- if you read closely -- you will find extra little details and nuggets o' info in the press releases that the Parks Blog does not disclose until later. For example, it was through Disneyland News that I first learned about the gingerbread house in the GCH lobby last year -- not from the Parks Blog):


"Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes Will Give Away Diamonds, Stays in the Disneyland Dream Suite and Daily Prizes During Dazzling Diamond Celebration" -- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015


"Unique Dining, Shopping and Interactive Street Entertainment Add to the Fun of Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration"-- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015


"Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Adds Disneyland Diamond Days Sweepstakes and Dazzling, New Nighttime Spectaculars Beginning May 22"-- Disneyland News; posted on April 14th, 2015

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I am glad you add these announcements here, even when they have been posted other places. I don't get much of a chance to check other places.
I just saw the you tube video of the added "diamonds" to the castle. I think it will be really pretty. I wonder if it will be one of those things prettier in person than in pictures though.
The Sweepstakes sounds interesting. I think any Disney fan would love to win any of the prizes. Too bad it sounds like you have to be there to win.

Sherry, you know I sure hope the CP is expanded this year! I will also have to thanks to you and others keep an eye out on Christmas movies.

I am another one that loves the Christmas movies. Like Sherry has stated in the past, if you take these movies for what they are fluffy, sentimental fare, they can be entertaining and enjoyable. They always get me in the Holiday spirit!

 

[dedesmith32]

Hey all, so its not a for sure thing yet but we are hoping for another holiday trip this year! We are hoping to bring my brother's family with us. If we come it will be November 28-December 5th. I have an annual pass that expires Dec 6th - so we are hoping to use the benefits from it before it expires.

So I have a question. We are wanting to get 2 rooms at the Paradise Pier Hotel, preferably ones that connect. Anyways, I am the only one with an annual pass - is it possible to get the annual pass discount for both rooms? Anyone know?

 

[lorijohnhill]

Yes, you can get a discount for both rooms. I just reserved two rooms with mine at the Grand Californian.

 

[dedesmith32]

Yes, you can get a discount for both rooms. I just reserved two rooms with mine at the Grand Californian.

Thank you - so glad to hear it! Did you just call and make the reservation for 2 rooms or did you do it online and make 2 reservations?

 

[lorijohnhill]

I made the reservations over the phone.

 

[TLinden16]

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind me invading your thread!

I'm a Disney World AP holder and DVC member, and I visit Disney World at two to three times a year, including annual December trips since 2002. I have visited Disneyland three times (twice in October for the Halloween stuff). I have been wanting to see Disneyland at Christmas time for as long as I can remember, and I'm finally taking that trip!

Actually, I'm taking what I've dubbed my Grand Adventure with my DIS friend Goofy4Tink. We are going to Disneyland and Disney World on the same trip! We are flying to Disneyland on November 28th, and staying at the Grand Californian for three nights. On December 1st, we will be staying at a hotel near LAX, and we fly to Orlando on the 2nd for a seven night stay at Disney World! This is a trip I have been talking about doing for years, and I'm excited to be finally taking my coast to coast Disney adventure!

I see from reading the thread that some of the holiday events are confirmed or rumored not to be happening this year because of the 60th, but I'm sure there will still be plenty of festive activity to go around! I am looking forward to just seeing the decorations, and also seeing the holiday overlays at HM (which I have seen on previous trips), and IASW (which I have not seen).

So, my question to all of you is what are the not to be missed holiday activities at Disneyland? Anything that is easy to miss that we should be on the lookout for?

I look forward to following this thread and getting advice from all of you Disneyland experts!

 

[Sherry E]

Hi everyone! I hope you don't mind me invading your thread!

I'm a Disney World AP holder and DVC member, and I visit Disney World at two to three times a year, including annual December trips since 2002. I have visited Disneyland three times (twice in October for the Halloween stuff). I have been wanting to see Disneyland at Christmas time for as long as I can remember, and I'm finally taking that trip!

Actually, I'm taking what I've dubbed my Grand Adventure with my DIS friend Goofy4Tink. We are going to Disneyland and Disney World on the same trip! We are flying to Disneyland on November 28th, and staying at the Grand Californian for three nights. On December 1st, we will be staying at a hotel near LAX, and we fly to Orlando on the 2nd for a seven night stay at Disney World! This is a trip I have been talking about doing for years, and I'm excited to be finally taking my coast to coast Disney adventure!

I see from reading the thread that some of the holiday events are confirmed or rumored not to be happening this year because of the 60th, but I'm sure there will still be plenty of festive activity to go around! I am looking forward to just seeing the decorations, and also seeing the holiday overlays at HM (which I have seen on previous trips), and IASW (which I have not seen).

So, my question to all of you is what are the not to be missed holiday activities at Disneyland? Anything that is easy to miss that we should be on the lookout for?

I look forward to following this thread and getting advice from all of you Disneyland experts!

Welcome, TLinden16!

I'm so glad you joined us. The layout of this new website platform (as opposed to the old platform) makes it so that all of the threads zoom down the pages faster than they used to. It used to be that threads would kind of linger on page 1 or two for a very long time, but now a thread that was active in the last week can suddenly drop down to page 9 or 10 in a couple of days! I was thinking that a lot of people would never take the time to find this thread because it will end up so buried in the pages.

Anyway, yes -- the 60th anniversary/Diamond Celebration is a big question mark in terms of exactly how it will impact the holiday season (and Halloween Time too, for that matter). It doesn't help matters any that sites like AllEars say one thing and MiceChat says something else.

We know that the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks are definitely out this year, and the new fireworks show should run for the rest of the year and into next year.

I think we can probably assume that World of Color-Winter Dreams is out this year too. It would stand to reason that A Christmas Fantasy Parade would be totally off the roster of holiday entertainment this year as well, but that's where AllEars and MiceChat disagreed. AllEars said that ACFP would be back in the daytime, leaving Paint the Night as the after dark parade, and MiceChat said that ACFP is not happening this year at all. The only reason why I think there could even be a chance of ACFP returning in the daytime is because it is part of the Holiday Time Tour. Otherwise, I tend to think that Soundsational will just run in the daytime. Disneyland doesn't really need the Christmas parade for its annual ABC taping in early November -- last year they did the taping for ABC but did not get footage of the Christmas parade at all. So the taping can be done with other footage instead.

I think that we can safely bet on Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday returning. I don't know about the fate of Jingle Cruise, but I would assume it will return in some capacity as well.

If you enjoy the holiday season in general I think you will love the way Disneyland Resort celebrates it. They make a much bigger deal out of it than they make out of Halloween Time -- that is evident all around the parks, as the decorations are much more extensive than they are for Halloween Time.

I would suggest that you don't miss Viva Navidad in DCA. It's a joyous, jubilant, lively event -- and I think it was kind of a surprise hit in 2013, so it was brought back again last year and is sure to be back this year.

Since you will be staying at the GCH, you will see this year's (real) gingerbread house in the lobby (I have to assume that they will put another one up this year), but also look for smaller gingerbread houses in both Storytellers Café and in White Water Snacks. You will also get to see Santa at his post by the tree, and the carolers performing in the lobby.

The Disneyland Hotel has a giant fake gingerbread Castle in the lobby of the Fantasy Tower, and themed trees in the other towers. The DLH also has one of the prettiest Santa Claus photo spots of all the Santa spots in the 3 hotels.

Don't miss the charming Bell Ringers on Buena Vista Street.

Don't miss the miniature gingerbread Cozy Cone in the office of the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land, along with all of the wacky Cars Land Christmas trees.

These may not sound like 'don't miss' ideas, but I would make a point of going back to Toontown and to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland (the JJJ is one of Santa's spots) to see the unique decorations and enjoy the atmosphere -- mainly because those two places are the places that repeatedly come up in rumors of a new Star Wars Land. If there is any truth to the SWL rumors, then either Toontown or Big Thunder Ranch or both will be torn down to make way for one big new land. I kind of doubt that will happen, but just in case...

The Holiday Tour may or may not interest you -- it used to include seats to A Christmas Fantasy Parade, but this year... who knows? It will also get you priority boarding privileges on HMH, IASWH and on Jingle Cruise. Plus, you'll get a gingerbread cookie, some cocoa, a souvenir pin, a collectible mug/cup and a sample of some sort of holiday treat.

I don't know what will be happening with the Storybook Land Canal Boats this year, but there should be teeny tiny Christmas decorations on the cottages. Also, there are teeny tiny decorations on a couple of Critter Country residences as well (near the exit of the Pooh ride).

I know I will think of other things to look for -- I am rattling off whatever comes to mind right now, but as soon as I sign off I know I will think of something else. In the meantime, hopefully some of our other DIS'ers will post here and give you some other special things not to miss.

 

[sgrap]

Welcome, TLinden16!

I'm so glad you joined us. The layout of this new website platform (as opposed to the old platform) makes it so that all of the threads zoom down the pages faster than they used to. It used to be that threads would kind of linger on page 1 or two for a very long time, but now a thread that was active in the last week can suddenly drop down to page 9 or 10 in a couple of days! I was thinking that a lot of people would never take the time to find this thread because it will end up so buried in the pages.

Anyway, yes -- the 60th anniversary/Diamond Celebration is a big question mark in terms of exactly how it will impact the holiday season (and Halloween Time too, for that matter). It doesn't help matters any that sites like AllEars say one thing and MiceChat says something else.

We know that the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks are definitely out this year, and the new fireworks show should run for the rest of the year and into next year.

I think we can probably assume that World of Color-Winter Dreams is out this year too. It would stand to reason that A Christmas Fantasy Parade would be totally off the roster of holiday entertainment this year as well, but that's where AllEars and MiceChat disagreed. AllEars said that ACFP would be back in the daytime, leaving Paint the Night as the after dark parade, and MiceChat said that ACFP is not happening this year at all. The only reason why I think there could even be a chance of ACFP returning in the daytime is because it is part of the Holiday Time Tour. Otherwise, I tend to think that Soundsational will just run in the daytime. Disneyland doesn't really need the Christmas parade for its annual ABC taping in early November -- last year they did the taping for ABC but did not get footage of the Christmas parade at all. So the taping can be done with other footage instead.

I think that we can safely bet on Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday returning. I don't know about the fate of Jingle Cruise, but I would assume it will return in some capacity as well.

If you enjoy the holiday season in general I think you will love the way Disneyland Resort celebrates it. They make a much bigger deal out of it than they make out of Halloween Time -- that is evident all around the parks, as the decorations are much more extensive than they are for Halloween Time.

I would suggest that you don't miss Viva Navidad in DCA. It's a joyous, jubilant, lively event -- and I think it was kind of a surprise hit in 2013, so it was brought back again last year and is sure to be back this year.

Since you will be staying at the GCH, you will see this year's (real) gingerbread house in the lobby (I have to assume that they will put another one up this year), but also look for smaller gingerbread houses in both Storytellers Café and in White Water Snacks. You will also get to see Santa at his post by the tree, and the carolers performing in the lobby.

The Disneyland Hotel has a giant fake gingerbread Castle in the lobby of the Fantasy Tower, and themed trees in the other towers. The DLH also has one of the prettiest Santa Claus photo spots of all the Santa spots in the 3 hotels.

Don't miss the charming Bell Ringers on Buena Vista Street.

Don't miss the miniature gingerbread Cozy Cone in the office of the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land, along with all of the wacky Cars Land Christmas trees.

These may not sound like 'don't miss' ideas, but I would make a point of going back to Toontown and to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland (the JJJ is one of Santa's spots) to see the unique decorations and enjoy the atmosphere -- mainly because those two places are the places that repeatedly come up in rumors of a new Star Wars Land. If there is any truth to the SWL rumors, then either Toontown or Big Thunder Ranch or both will be torn down to make way for one big new land. I kind of doubt that will happen, but just in case...

The Holiday Tour may or may not interest you -- it used to include seats to A Christmas Fantasy Parade, but this year... who knows? It will also get you priority boarding privileges on HMH, IASWH and on Jingle Cruise. Plus, you'll get a gingerbread cookie, some cocoa, a souvenir pin, a collectible mug/cup and a sample of some sort of holiday treat.

I don't know what will be happening with the Storybook Land Canal Boats this year, but there should be teeny tiny Christmas decorations on the cottages. Also, there are teeny tiny decorations on a couple of Critter Country residences as well (near the exit of the Pooh ride).

I know I will think of other things to look for -- I am rattling off whatever comes to mind right now, but as soon as I sign off I know I will think of something else. In the meantime, hopefully some of our other DIS'ers will post here and give you some other special things not to miss.

I am saving this list for our trip, Sherry! I am sure we missed some of these 10 years ago. ;-) I am getting more excited just reading all of these descriptions!

One thing I loved that you didn't mention was the Christmas decorations in Bugs' Land in DCA. Very fun use of oversize items to make you feel like you are small as a bug at Christmas.

 

[dolphingirl47]

Welcome.

We are going to Disneyland and Disney World on the same trip!

I am planning something similar this year, but the other way round and for the Halloween season rather than the Holiday season. I will first go to Disneyland for 9 nights to enjoy the Halloween season and the new entertainment for the Diamond anniversary and then I spending 4 nights at Walt Disney World to enjoy the Food and Wine Festival and hopefully take in a Halloween Party.

So, my question to all of you is what are the not to be missed holiday activities at Disneyland? Anything that is easy to miss that we should be on the lookout for?

I experienced the Holiday Season at Disneyland for the first time last year and I enjoyed the smaller things more than the big set pieces.

I loved resort hopping to enjoy all the Christmas decorations and listen to the carol singers.

I loved the bell ringers on Buena Vista Street.

I just loved wandering around the parks and enjoy the Christmas decorations.

I liked seeing the characters in their Holiday Costumes.

I loved seeing the candy canes being made.

As far as the bigger aspects are concerned, I loved all the three ride overlays with It's A Small World Holiday being my favourite one.

I also second Viva Navidad! I did not think I would enjoy it before the trip, but ended up absolutely loving it.

Corinna